When it comes being safe on a to demolition site, it should always be the top priority. This is especially true in the UK where strict laws and regulations for demolition safety are in place.
However, technology is not the only aspect to consider when it comes to ensuring safety on a demolition site. There are multiple factors to take into account before machines and workers even set foot on the site.
1. Be Aware of Asbestos
Asbestos is a well-known hazard on demolition sites, and it is important to ensure that all workers are aware of the dangers associated with it. Before any demolition work can take place, a Demolition and Refurbishment Asbestos Survey must be carried out to identify any licenced or non-licenced asbestos present on the site. If any asbestos is found, it must be removed in a safe and compliant manner before any demolition work can begin.
All our operatives are trained to handle non-licenced asbestos safely. However, if licenced asbestos is found, operations will be halted until a specialist contractor removes the asbestos.
It is crucial to be asbestos aware and to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers and the public on demolition sites.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Must Be Worn
It is essential to wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during demolition to ensure the safety of all employees. All operatives must wear the minimum 5-part PPE at all times on-site, including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests/jackets, safety gloves, and steel-toe capped boots.
Our Safety Health Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Department manages the distribution of PPE to all operatives and ensures compliance with British Standards (BS) and other relevant standards. The required standards of PPE can vary depending on the project or client’s specific requirements, and we ensure that our PPE satisfies each circumstance.
Our PPE is compliant with HSE regulations, and we provide operatives with any specialized PPE outside of the basic 5-part, such as face masks, welding masks, fire-proof overalls, Kevlar gloves, or anything else needed to safely carry out a specific task.
Our SHEQ department manages our PPE store stringently, ensuring that the correct PPE is allocated to the correct project without delay or risk to personnel’s safety.
3. Prevent Accidents with Training, Qualification and Experience
To ensure the safety of everyone on a demolition site, it is crucial that all staff have the appropriate qualifications, training, and experience. This includes an understanding of the equipment that should be worn and present throughout the demolition process. Regular and updated health and safety training is also necessary to reduce the risk of accidents. It is important to note that some qualifications expire after a certain amount of time, so it is essential to check regularly to ensure that everyone’s training is up to date.
We place particular emphasis on training and keeping our techniques and working practices up to date. Our training and qualification system for all employees is paramount to our Health, Safety, and Environmental systems and procedures. All of our employees have the appropriate qualifications and experience for the assigned tasks they undertake, and our site teams are closely monitored by Site Supervisors at all times.
This ensures that all qualifications are up to date and that every operative is experienced in the duty they are carrying out. It also allows operatives to have a training plan to encourage development and improve qualification standards as they gain more experience in the industry.
By ensuring that all staff have the appropriate qualifications, training, and experience, we can prevent accidents and ensure that demolitions are completed by fully trained staff.
4. Monitor Noise, Vibration and Dust
When it comes to demolition work, noise, vibration, and dust are common by-products that can pose a risk to workers and neighbouring properties if not effectively managed. Noise, in particular, can cause permanent hearing damage and create safety risks, making it difficult for workers to communicate effectively or hear warning signs. Therefore, regular noise and vibration monitoring are conducted throughout all demolition projects, with reports being issued to the client’s project team.
To keep noise to a minimum, it’s essential to use the correct plant for specific tasks and ensure that the plant is fully maintained. Additionally, the “quietest” method should be used when both demolishing structures and removing hardcore and concrete. This involves using a bucket or pulveriser rather than impact breakers. Leaving part of the external envelope of particular buildings intact while removing materials can also help reduce noise levels.
Working hours can be adjusted to ensure that avoidable “noisy” activities are undertaken at times that have minimal impact on the public. Demolition companies must ensure that they only carry out works within agreed working hours.
Dust is another common by-product of demolition work that must be monitored and controlled. Damping down using temporary water supplies around the site is an effective way to control dust. This supply is arranged with the local water authority for permission and metering. During structural demolition, dust suppression is via fire hoses with operatives gaining access above the structure, where necessary, to enable water to be sprayed directly onto the workface.
This system is a fully automatic, oscillating ducted fan with a high-pressure misting system that creates a Virtual Dust Barrier. It helps significantly in minimising dust from the demolition, in both implosions and excavator processing/material removal applications, reducing the potential for health concerns and complaints.
Overall, demolition work requires carefully controlled conditions, and monitoring noise, vibration, and dust are essential components of ensuring the safety of workers and neighbouring properties.
5. Maintaining a clean site
Keeping the demolition site clean and tidy is crucial to ensure safety throughout the demolition process. A clean site is a requirement in most health and safety regulations and should always be implemented on demolition sites to keep workers safe.
Effective housekeeping is essential to promote a safe working environment and to ensure that demolition arisings and other materials from the site are dealt with appropriately. A safe site compound is imperative, and welfare facilities must be provided for workers to take breaks away from the operational area of the site.
To ensure that everyone has access to fresh drinking water and washing facilities, as well as hot water and a clean, safe environment for breaks, the following provisions are generally made:
- Drinking water
- Lavatory and washing facilities
- Facilities to change and store clothing
- Storeroom for PPE, etc.
- Refuge against extremes of weather
- Generator to provide heating and lighting
- Hot water
- Separate messing facility with seats and tables
- Kettle (or urn)
- Microwave for heating food.
At the tender stage, management assesses the welfare requirements that will be needed for each site in relation to the number of operatives, the geographical restrictions of the site, etc. The Site Manager/Supervisor is responsible for taking delivery and inspecting any welfare facilities and ensuring that they are maintained to a clean and hygienic condition.
Safe access to the welfare facilities will be detailed within the Health and Safety Plan and will form part of the Site Induction.
Within the Mess Room, there will be a project notice board displaying general Health and Safety information, including:
- General Site Safety Rules
- Emergency Rules
- Map to Local Accident and Emergency Hospital
- Identity of First Aider on-site
- Location of First Aid supplies
- HSE Law Poster
- Health and Safety Policy Statement
- Environment Policy Statement
- Quality Policy Statement
- Insurance certificate.
Maintaining a clean and tidy site is a key factor in the successful delivery of works on any demolition site. It is the responsibility of all site employees to ensure that a clean working environment is achieved, and the Site Supervisor monitors and reports on this by completing daily sight inspections and a weekly site audit. The Site Supervisor will also appoint an operative to carry out the cleaning of the site welfare facilities daily and replenish with supplies as necessary.
Segregating and processing arisings on-site as the demolition work progresses, rather than demolishing and cleaning up afterwards, is a more effective approach. This approach ensures that the site is always clean and tidy, and the risk of accidents is reduced.
Maintaining a clean and tidy site is essential for safe demolition. Effective housekeeping and welfare facilities promote a safe working environment, and it is the responsibility of all site employees to ensure that a clean working environment is achieved. The Site Supervisor monitors and reports on the cleanliness of the site, and the Site Manager/Supervisor ensures that the welfare facilities are maintained to a clean and hygienic condition.
6. Manage Traffic Movement
To ensure the safety of workers on a demolition site, it is essential to implement an effective traffic management system that minimizes the risk of accidents. During the planning phase of a project, Traffic Management Plans should be established and updated/amended as the works commence and progress on-site.
Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles is implemented to ensure clear and unhindered pedestrian walkways and vehicle access to all required areas of the site. Gatemen assist with the flow and control of traffic on-site, and a strict speed limit of 5 mph is enforced to avoid any accidents.
One-way systems are established to minimize the need for reversing, and reversing cameras are installed on vehicles and plants to eliminate the need for operatives to be near vehicles. Traffic movements, including deliveries, are timed to avoid rush hour traffic at both ends of the day, so no queuing of construction traffic will occur.
By implementing these measures, you can ensure the safety of workers and reduce the risk of accidents on a demolition site.
7. Risk Assessment and Method Statements are Essential
When undertaking a project, Risk Assessments and Method Statements are two fundamental elements in ensuring the safety of all involved.
Before commencing the works, a pre-start meeting/tour of the site will take place. During this meeting, the Site Supervisor, Contracts Manager and SHEQ Manager walk the site and list all risks that are associated with the works. These risks are then recorded and written up into a Risk Assessment document.
Method Statements are then produced based on controlling the risks identified in the Risk Assessment. The Method Statements ensure that all activities are undertaken in accordance with the approved programme of work, phased operations, and safe demolition techniques.
By following this structured approach, we can identify and control risks, ensuring that all works are carried out safely.
8. Be Aware of Proximity to Plant
When working on a demolition site, it is essential to be aware of the proximity to plant and machinery. This is because large plant and machines, along with on-ground operatives, can create potential danger. Therefore, clear plans and rules must be put in place before the start of works to ensure the on-ground personnel’s safety. These plans and rules should be incorporated into Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
SiteZone base stations are fitted to vehicles, while site workers have RFID transponders fitted to their hard hats or sleeve. When a site worker breaches a predefined detection zone, both the worker and driver receive a ‘proximity warning’. The RFID tag vibrates, making the site worker aware of the vehicle, while the driver is alerted by sound and flashing lights in the cab of the vehicle. This two-way alarm feature is fundamental to site safety since responsibility for avoiding accidents is shared by both parties.
9. Maintain a Stream of Communication and Encourage Feedback
Maintaining open communication with all stakeholders is crucial to ensuring the safety of everyone on-site. This includes employees, clients, company management, neighboring residents, and businesses. By involving employees in the decision-making process, the workplace becomes safer as everyone is aware of the risks and knows what precautions to take.
At RLR Demolition Ltd, we ensure that all Health and Safety information is collated and passed on to the client for incorporation into the Health and Safety file. On-site, Health, Safety, and Environmental information is disseminated to the site team to ensure maximum communication, education, and awareness.
We use various methods to communicate with our employees, including tool box talks, company memos, presentations, seminars, pre-construction information, Health & Safety plans, method statements, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and permit to work.
All site operatives and sub-contractors are issued with the risk assessments and method statements to read and understand the system and sequence of works. This provides an opportunity for them to comment on any potential issues, and upon agreement, they sign the documents agreeing to work and comply with the Method Statement, Risk Assessments, and other associated documentation.
We listen to our operatives and site staff as they are at the forefront of our operations. Our ‘open door’ policy encourages feedback and suggestions for improvements. This hands-on approach ensures everyone understands how seriously we take all matters relating to Health and Safety and how much we value input at all levels. We also hold regular workforce safety committee meetings and formal meetings with Site Supervisors to engage their thoughts as well.
10. Manage Waste Disposal
Waste management is an essential safety measure on any demolition project. Proper identification, segregation, and containment of waste streams are necessary to ensure safety and minimise harm to workers and the environment. Contingency plans should be in place to minimise the potential for harm in case of spillage or other forms of release.
You have a duty of care to ensure that all waste is properly identified, accurately described, and labelled before it is passed onto the waste disposal carrier. If the waste is of a complex nature, specialist external resources may be employed to advise on identification and disposal methods. If appropriate, samples of waste should be taken for laboratory chemical testing to determine safe disposal options.
A waste management licence for the specific waste type should cover the chosen disposal facility, and the site should have sufficient capacity to receive the waste. All controlled and hazardous waste, by definition, should be handled, processed, packaged, and disposed of in line with current approved codes of practice, associated legislation, established procedures, and client documented systems.
To manage waste disposal effectively, the following measures should be taken:
- Conduct a waste audit to identify waste streams and determine the appropriate disposal method.
- Segregate waste streams on-site to ensure proper containment and disposal.
- Label all waste containers clearly and accurately to avoid confusion and ensure proper disposal.
- Train all workers on proper waste disposal procedures to minimise the risk of accidents and spills.
- Maintain a waste management plan to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Use licensed waste carriers and disposal facilities to ensure proper disposal of waste.
- Monitor waste disposal regularly to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Keep accurate records of waste disposal to demonstrate compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Implement contingency plans to minimise the potential for harm in case of spillage or other forms of release.
- Continuously review and improve waste management procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
By implementing these measures, you can effectively manage waste disposal on your demolition project and ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
Safety measures provided by the Government
When it comes to demolition, UK law requires that it is carried out in a safe manner. This means that demolition must be carefully planned and executed to prevent danger, by practitioners with the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified several key issues that practitioners must be aware of to ensure the safety of workers and passers-by.
Falls from height
Falls from height are a significant risk for workers during the demolition process. Workers can be injured by falling from edges, through openings, fragile surfaces, and partially demolished floors. Duty holders are responsible for assessing, eliminating, and controlling the risk of falls from height. This can be achieved through the use of safety harnesses, safety nets, and edge protection.
Injury from falling materials
Injuries can also be caused by falling materials resulting from the premature or uncontrolled collapse of structures. Duty holders must take the necessary steps to protect workers and passers-by from the risks posed by falling materials. This can be achieved through the use of exclusion zones, protective barriers, and netting.
Uncontrolled collapse
The method statement for the demolition should identify the sequence needed to prevent the accidental collapse of the structure. This should take into account the age and type of the structure, its previous use, nearby buildings and structures, and the weight of machinery being used. Duty holders must ensure that the structure is demolished in a controlled manner to prevent uncontrolled collapse.
Risks from connected services
Connected services, such as gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications must be isolated or disconnected before demolition work begins. Any services that cannot be disconnected should be clearly labelled to ensure they are not disrupted. Duty holders must ensure that all connected services are identified and adequately managed to prevent any incidents.
Hazardous materials
Hazardous materials such as dust, asbestos, and respirable crystalline silica must be considered during demolition work. Duty holders must ensure that all hazardous materials are identified and managed appropriately. This can be achieved through the use of personal protective equipment, dust suppression, and air monitoring.
Fire
During any structural alteration or demolition, fire is a risk. The fire plan must be kept up to date as the escape routes and fire points may change at various points during the process. Duty holders must ensure that all fire risks are identified and managed appropriately. This can be achieved through the use of fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms.
In summary, demolition work is subject to strict safety regulations in the UK. Practitioners must be aware of the risks involved and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of workers and passers-by. By following the guidelines set out by the HSE, duty holders can ensure that demolition work is carried out in a safe and controlled manner.